Jenny Potter photo Lesley Buxton shows off her needles at a crafting collective held at the Museum of Civilization Jan. 25.

Lesley Buxton knows her needles, and how to use them.

She uses them at home, on the bus, and in class as an instructor at Algonquin. She even has a support group of Hintonburg women that gather to do it together.

Those who know Buxton, know she is addicted to knitting.

As an instructor of Creative Thinking at Algonquin, Buxton has an opportunity to take her curriculum outside the box, and into the hands of her students. She decided to teach her first year class knitting, as a way of expanding their creativity and thinking differently.

“You knit to relax,” said Buxton, “but it’s also about design. You’re looking at colour, and it’s mathematical, so it’s kind of two-fold.”

She learned to knit from her grandmother as a young child, but rediscovered it while on a trip to B.C. with her daughter, India. On the bus they met a lady who was knitting, and India wanted to try. Lesley bought some needles and yarn, and while India lost interest quickly, Buxton became enthralled.

“I think that there is no coincidence that yoga and knitting are so huge,” said Buxton. “Both are devised to leave you unable to worry. You need to focus. You need to be in the moment.”

With her friend Laura Twiss, Buxton started a knitting group in Hintonburg called Stitch n’ Bitch, named after the knitting books by Debbie Stoller. The group was an opportunity for local women to knit, gather, relax and be open with one another.

“Historically, women would get together to knit, and send things to the soldiers,” said Twiss.

The group opens the door for women with various creative talents to share and inspire one another.

“Everyone is in the arts, we don’t have a lot of money,” said Buxton.

“It’s an opportunity for likeminded artists to gather,” said Andrea Emery, a friend, and instructor in the School of Media and Design. “It gives us an opportunity to get feedback from one another. It’s exciting.”

Buxton’s creativity is not limited to knitting. Formally trained in theatre, she works with the Museum of Civilization developing the children’s theatre department, making scarves, and drawing, but writing is her real passion.

Twiss knows that Buxton’s creativity and enthusiasm lies in writing. She knows that for every semester Buxton works, it means she can spend a semester writing.

“I’m a writer, but a lot of times when you’re teaching, it’s a good way to remind yourself of the things you already know,” said Buxton.

When Algonquin was looking for someone to teach the Creative Thinking class, Emery suggested Buxton, knowing that she was the best person for it.

“I immediately said Lesley,” said Emery. “She’s got a lot of energy and she has a fresh way of looking at things, and she loves collaboration, so it’s great for the students.”